Gelen Robinson had just been on Purdue's campus a few weeks ago for some face time with its new coaching staff.

Tuesday's return visit for a spring practice offered a different perspective for the four-star recruit from Lake Central in Northwest Indiana.

"I got to see how the practices go, got to see my old teammate, David Yancey, and I got to talk to Coach (Darrell) Hazell again and that was good," Robinson said. "I'm really liking their coaching staff. They're doing really well.

"It was different this time because I was going down there to actually see one of their spring practices and get to see how they coach and how they work. ... I can tell by the intensity of their practices that they're going to do really well these next couple years."

It was valuable insight into the Boilermaker program, said Robinson, a Purdue legacy.

"It was great," he said. "I could tell the players really like them and respect them and the coaches really work well together."

The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder has been one of the highest-recruited players in the state's Class of 2014, with one program seemingly making him a particular emphasis.

"They want to make sure they get top Indiana players," Robinson said of Purdue, "and they mentioned me and said I was going to be a big recruit for them."

Robinson's been offered by Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ball State and most recently Ohio in addition to Purdue. Michigan is among those also interested.

He's drawn interest as both a linebacker and defensive end.

"(Purdue's) recruiting me as a linebacker right now and I've gotten to talk to Coach (Marcus) Freeman a lot. Inside linebacker or outside linebacker, I'm not too sure yet," Robinson said. "Most schools are recruiting me for outside linebacker, but some schools are still saying I could do (defensive end, too). It all depends on what kind of defense they run."

With offers in hand and visits made, Robinson could put himself in position to make an early commitment if he so chooses. That remains to be seen.

"If I feel like I know what's right for me early, I think I'll make that known early," he said, "but I'm still in the process of looking."

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